“This isn't going to change our friendship or our marriage” is the vow wedded parents Tony and Rose Monroe make with Rose’s best friend: beautiful, wealthy—but lonely—Cam Spencer. The three enter into an unusual romantic contract, but whether they can keep their commitment is another matter in this tale of love, passion and greed.
Tony and Rose, deeply in debt, need a substantial influx of cash or they stand to lose their upper middle class lifestyle. Fortunately for them, Cam, a former fashion model turned venture capitalist with a talent for making money, is willing to bail them out. In return, Tony agrees (reluctantly) to have sex with Cam one night every month for twelve months. It doesn't take long for Tony, Rose and Cam to discover their pact comes with complications none of them anticipated.
Excerpt
ONCE A MONTH excerpt from Chapter Three
Tony didn't care much for getting a needle stuck in his arm. He didn't like needles. He turned his attention back to the game but continued listening to Rose, the most important woman in his life, and Cam, a trusted family friend and the godmother to his children, discuss what he still considered to be a very bizarre proposition. It was like being a witness to an avant-garde performance. On top of that, their negotiations shifted in tone and content. Sometimes they would agree on an issue immediately.
"Any one of us can choose to end this thing at any time."
"No problem."
Sometimes they would argue over some small detail.
"He'll come see you after dinner..."
"Before."
"After."
Sometimes without warning, they would switch to talking about something that had nothing to do with the arrangement.
"Rose, what is that sweet color on your nails?"
Then they would get back to business. Sometimes the discussion made him grimace.
"Look, Cam, he mounts you once. That's it."
"Hell no. For ten grand it's over when I say it's over."
"Well, just make sure he takes a shower. I don't want my husband coming home with sticky dicky."
Tony frowned. How had Rose allowed Cam to talk her into this?
"God Almighty, Cam. When did you get that beautiful watch? That must have set you back a few grand."
Tony frowned. Rose had provided the answer to his question.
After nearly fifteen more minutes Cam shrugged. "I think we're about done," she concluded. "Just a couple more things. You said Tony would be out 'late.' I'd like him to spend the night." She lowered her head. "You know, leave in the morning after the sun comes up."
Tony could hear the sadness and loneliness in Cam's voice. He couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
"Fine," Rose said. "But remember, it's not a date. I'm loaning him to you for money."
Tony winced. Apparently Rose couldn't help but relish a moment in which Cam had to beg, for a change.
Professional Reviews
Great characters
I just finished reading "Once A Month". A real page turner. What a novel idea! Great characters...really well developed. The outcome was not at all predictable. I was tempted many times to skip ahead to the end, but I didn’t. Protagonist Rose's demise was really unexpected. I wanted Cam and Tony to eventually end up with each other but I wanted Rose to witness the consequences of her selfish materialistic ways. Explicit sex and profanity made me uncomfortable but over-all it was entertaining, a great story and contained many of the elements that make for a good read. I’m looking forward to reading Kelvin Reed’s other books. I am member of book club in Shreveport, Louisiana and am putting "Once a Month" on our suggested read list for 2016. I think it will generate quite a lively discussion.
Tannie Lewis Bradley
Great story... This book was deep.
Once a month is a well written book. I read Once a Month in one sitting it was hard to put down with all of the plot twist. I loved the idea of the plot but I must admit that both Tony and Rose got on my nerves a little bit. Where can I find a fool like Tony?..haha. The romance was just enough to not be over the top but it was good. I will definitely be reading more Kelvin L. Reed books.
Love is universal and not limited to the most perfect among us. In this collection of romantic short stories and poetry, love comes to those who are decidedly imperfect, who possess very real human flaws, scars, and challenges. Awaiting us as we are.
